.png) A close-up of a government-reference airlock module for the Gateway Space Station. Mission planning calls for an airlock to be delivered and integrated to Gateway by the crewed Orion spacecraft on the Artemis VI mission after launching on a Space Launch System (SLS) Block 1B rocket. | |
| Mission type | Airlock module |
|---|---|
| Website | MBRSC |
| Spacecraft properties | |
| Manufacturer | Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre,Thales Alenia Space |
| Start of mission | |
| Launch date | 2031 (planned) |
| Rocket | SLS |
| Launch site | Kennedy Space Center,LC-39B |
| Orbital parameters | |
| Reference system | Near-rectilinear halo orbit |
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TheCrew and Science Airlock Module, also known as theEmirates Airlock Module,[1] is designed as anairlock module of theLunar Gateway station, to be built by theMohammed bin Rashid Space Centre.[2]
The airlock module is meant to facilitate transfers to and from the habitation modules of the Gateway and into the vacuum of space. The airlock module will therefore support deep space science research as well as external Gateway maintenance.[3]
In January 2024, NASA announced the partnership with MBRSC with whom NASA shares a long-standing partnership. TheUAE, in which the MBRSC is located, was among the initial signatories of theArtemis Accords. Soon after the contract was announced, design work began.[4] As part of the contract, the UAE will be able to send one of their own astronauts aboard a future Artemis mission.[5]
The project will occur in a five phased approach: planning, design, qualification, flight preparation and operations. The MBRSC will be responsible for long term management, maintenance and operation of the Airlock.[6] The Airlock will be manufactured byThales Alenia Space[7][1]
The module is slated to launch on theArtemis 6 mission which is currently scheduled for 2031.[8]
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Notes: † Never inhabited due to launch or on-orbit failure, ‡ Part of theAlmaz military program, ° Never inhabited, lacks docking mechanism. | |||||||||
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